O.Thetford, P.Gray German Aircraft of the First World War (Putnam)

Albatros C III

The C III succeeded the Albatros C I and Ia as an operational general-purpose aircraft, and it eventually became the most prolific of all Albatros two-seaters. The prototype was powered with the eminently reliable Benz Bz III motor of 150 h.p., but when series production commenced the majority of C IIIs had the 160 h.p. Mercedes D III installation, although some were still lined with the Benz. Basically this aeroplane was very similar to its C I forebear, but in a more refined and compact form. It preserved the same formula of plywood-covered, slab-sided fuselage, with slightly rounded top decking; two-spar wooden wings with fabric covering and steel tube framed control surfaces. The C III was instantly distinguishable from the C Ia by virtue of its completely revised tail surfaces. These dispensed with the earlier aircraft's angularity and adopted the beginning of the rounded tailplane profile that was to be a hallmark of practically all subsequent Albatros C types. The triangular vertical fin was retained, but a rounded rudder was now fitted. The pattern for these tail surfaces had already been used by Albatros on their B III two-seater, which had been used originally for reconnaissance work. The use of the near-identical empennage on the C III was successful, bestowing more sensitive longitudinal control than on the docile C I. This facilitated more immediate response in the evasive combat manoeuvres which were becoming so necessary with the increase of aerial activity on both sides. It was during the winter of 1916 that the C III came to the Fl. Abt. on the Western Front, and began to command no little respect from Allied pilots who met it in combat. It was not an easy machine to shoot down, partly due to the ability of its wooden-shelled fuselage to absorb considerable punishment before any real structural weakness occurred. After some months service it was found that performance did not suffer unduly if a synchronised forward-tiring machine-gun was fitted for use by the pilot, in addition to the observer's gun. As such, it was probably the first "two-gun" operational C type and was quite a formidable opponent except when, due to the vicissitudes of its rudimentary interrupter gear, it managed to shoot off its own propeller. However, this was a difficulty with which all pilots of tractor aircraft, regardless of nationality, had to contend. Although mostly used for reconnaissance patrols, the C III sometimes carried a small bomb load, sufficient to constitute a certain nuisance value lack of an accurate sighting device precluded it becoming more than that. It was also used for co-operation with artillery batteries (Fl. Abt. (A)) when the necessary radio equipment was installed.

Deployed operationally for the first time towards the end of 1916, the Albatros C III was built in larger quantities than any other of the firm's C types. The C III, with its 160hp Mercedes D III had an undistinguished top level speed of 82mph at sea level. The initial single, flexibly-mounted 7.92mm gun was later supplemented by another, fixed forward-firing weapon for the pilot. In spite of its robust construction that allowed it to withstand considerable combat damage, the C III compared poorly in terms of performance with the DFW CV that was to become the main workhorse of the two seater units from late 1917 until the end of the war.

Albatros C III has clearly landed on the wrong side of the lines and provides the focus of interest for a number of French civilians, while the soldier in the foreground and close to the photographer appears more concerned with grooming his moustache.

An excellent rear-on image of an Albatros C III, showing the standard multi-colour hexagonal lozenge camouflage adopted from January 1918 for use by all reconnaissance and fighter types in service with the German Imperial Army Air Service.

Alhatros CIIIs entered service on the Western Front in the winter of 1916; the type was built in large numbers by a variety of manufacturers. Powered by either a 150hp Benz Bzlll or 160hp Mercedes DIII it had a top speed of 87.5mph (141kph).